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As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
Jerry J. Bugni, age 83 of L’Anse, Michigan passed away on Monday, October 7th, 2024 at U.P. Health System Marquette, MI.
He was born September 19th, 1941 in Wakefield, MI son of James and Lorraine (Pitrone) Bugni. Jerry graduated from Wakefield High School in 1959, then received a bachelor degree from Northern Michigan University in 1967, and later receiving a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1987. On August 5, 1972 he married Joan Derocher in Escanaba, MI.
Jerry was a math teacher for 37 years at L’Anse High School, retiring in 2004. He coached sports for 55 years including football, basketball and track and was a former Athletic Director. When his children were younger he also coached Little League. Jerry is a member of the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame and Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.
At the age of 17 Jerry went to Barber school, following in the footsteps of his father and brothers; he was able to put himself through college working as a barber. Jerry enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading, and watching football.
Surviving are his wife Joan Bugni of L’Anse; children, Jerry (Lori) Bugni of L’Anse, Jeffrey (Shelley) Bugni of Hancock, Jan (Robert) LaFave of L’Anse; brother Roger Bugni of Farwell, MI; grandchildren, Ashley (Ricky) Juntunen, Jay (Caitlyn) Bugni, Megan (Parker) Bowman, Molly Bugni, Kayla Kujansuu, Cassie Kujansuu, Alyssa Kujansuu, Peyton LaFave, Henry LaFave; great grandchildren, Heathcliff and Everett Juntunen, and Adalyn Bugni.
Preceding him in death are his parents, and brother Donald Bugni.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 18th from 10 to 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. His funeral mass will be at 12:00 p.m. with Fr. Jins Joseph officiating. A luncheon will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the church hall. Burial will be in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Jerry Bugni Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of the L’Anse Area Schools Foundation.
Friends may sign Jerry’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
